Annia Gimeno Marko has been a part of the Keystone Class of 2025 since first grade, and her involvement throughout the years has been nothing short of inspiring. As the Secretary of the Class of 2025, Co-Editor in Chief of Keynote, and an active member of the World Language Club, Annia has shown her leadership, creativity, and dedication to the Keystone community.
When asked about her favorite thing about Keystone, Annia emphasized the individualized attention from teachers and the support they provide. “I also enjoy the tight-knit community,” she shared. “I’ve maintained friendships with people I’ve known for over a decade but also made some good friends in the past few years alone.” This combination of enduring and new relationships has shaped her Keystone experience.
Academically, Annia is especially proud of her growth in essay writing. She fondly remembers her Stonecatcher essay, where she dedicated significant time and effort to research and analysis. “Being able to grow my analytical voice and understanding through writing is something I hope to continue in college and any future careers,” she said.
One of Annia’s most treasured memories at Keystone comes from the senior Yosemite trip. Whether it was hiking through the forest guided only by Coach U’s GPS, building a snowman at the peak of a trail, or marveling at the beauty of El Capitan, Yosemite provided her with many unforgettable memories. She also enjoyed quieter moments, like roasting marshmallows around a campfire and painting watercolors by an abandoned ranch.
Outside of school, Annia’s artistic talents shine. She practices ballet, currently on pointe, and plays the violin, having been part of the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) during middle school and high school. Her creative side extends to literature and writing, with a particular passion for poetry. Last summer, she honed her craft at the Kenyon Young Writers Summer Online Workshop, exploring various prompts and poetry excerpts that fueled her imagination.
Annia has also made a meaningful impact through her volunteer work. She mentored two Ukrainian students through the global nonprofit ENGin, helping them improve their English fluency while forming cross-cultural connections. She found the experience deeply rewarding, as it allowed her to learn more about Ukrainian culture and global events. As a co-founder of her team for the SA Smart competition, Annia worked on a water conservation project in collaboration with SAWS and the San Antonio Food Bank, helping distribute aerators to low-income families. Additionally, she has served as a volunteer counselor at Camp CAMP for two years, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to service.
Looking ahead, Annia plans to major in psychology and pursue a graduate degree. A fun fact about her? She speaks four languages—English, Spanish, Catalan, and Albanian—a testament to her dedication to learning. Reflecting on her time at Keystone and beyond, Annia shares one of the lessons she’s learned: “Obstacles and challenges will always be present in life, but it really is how you choose to confront them and how you move forward and grow that makes all the difference.”
Annia will leave a legacy of compassionate care for others and kindness as she embarks on her journey through higher education. I have no doubt that Annia will continue to make a mark on her community in college and beyond.
